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Coastal Conservation
From the dramatic cliffs of western Cape Breton, to basaltic islands in the Bay of Fundy, and internationally recognized wetlands on the Eastern shore, Nova Scotia's 12,000 kilometre coastline is diverse, spectacular, and of exceptional ecological importance.
Alarmingly, less than five percent (approximately 600 kilometres) of Nova Scotia's coastal shoreline is formally protected. Ninety-five percent of the coast is in private ownership (i.e. not crown/public land) and these lands are under immediate and increasing threat from development. Areas we've long taken for granted as being publicly owned are suddenly closed to public access and developed. The need to protect our important coastal habitats is urgent! These coastal landscapes support some of the richest and least disturbed wildlife habitats in the province and they contribute immensely to North America's biological diversity.
No one is more aware of this trend than Canadian literary icon and environmental advocate, Farley Mowat. Following the donation of land he made with his wife Claire in September 2007, to the Nature Trust, Mowat enthusiastically stepped forward as a patron of the Nature Trust, in support of its coastal initiative. When asked about his reasons for supporting the Trust, Mowat commented "what the Nature Trust represents to me is the possibility of giving it all to what you believe in. I have great faith in them. I believe the Nature Trust is one of the only really effective organizations for conservation. They're young, they're vigorous, they're passionate, and god knows, the need for land conservation is enormous in Nova Scotia, particularly along the coasts."
The primary goal of the Nature Trust’s coastal conservation is to secure and steward forever, priority coastal lands in Nova Scotia and the Nature Trust has already made significant gains toward this end. We have, to date, secured eleven coastal properties, totaling over 1,200 acres. These coastal properties, saved as "Forever Wild Conservation Lands" are a critical component to Nova Scotia's protected areas system, and make a wonderful contribution to Nova Scotia's coastal legacy. They include the breathtaking cliffs of Sight Point in the Mabou Highlands, Cape Breton; the panoramic views of Aspy Bay's Yellow Head, at the northern tip of Nova Scotia; the rugged wilderness of the eastern shore's Shelter Cove and Ship Rock Island; and one of the last undeveloped headlands on the south shore at Gaff Point. Our other coastal acquisitions can be viewed on the Nature Trust Property Explorer.
Our most recent coastal efforts and successes
The Long Cove Conservation Lands, located in Ragged Harbour, Queen's County is a gorgeous example of Nova Scotia's coastal diversity, and was featured in a recent issue of the Chronicle-Herald's Nova Scotian. The Nature Trust is currently raising funds to complete the acquisition of this remarkable coastal property and ensure its care and stewardship in perpetuity.
The Vogler's Cove Conservation Lands, in Lunenburg County, was generously donated to the Nature Trust by Mary Hunter for permanent protection in 2007. This 21-acre site boasts a diversity of coastal ecosystems and we are thrilled to add it to our network of coastal Conservation Lands.
Farley's Ark: The Farley and Claire Mowat Conservation Lands, as seen in a recent issue of the Nova Scotian, was donated in 2007 by these internationally-celebrated Canadian authors and passionate environmentalists.
Shelter Cove Wilderness Sanctuary, near Tangier on Nova Scotia's eastern shore was formally protected in 2006. This stunning property offers deeply indented bays and inlets, twin white-sand beaches, and forests which provide unparalleled wilderness recreation and opportunities for scientific research and study.
Our sincere thanks go to all of the landowners, project funders, donors, volunteers and communities who have helped us succeed in our efforts to preserve the coast.
Sponsors
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| EcoAction | EJLB Foundation | Sage Environmental Foundation |
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| Davis Conservation Foundation | Donner Canadian Foundation |